Stellenbosch University PhD in Development Finance
Programme overview
Formal research on PhD level will contribute significantly to a crucial understanding of all aspects of development finance. It also leads to employable expertise.
This PhD is intended to develop research and discipline-based knowledge and skills in the field of Development Finance. The programme has been designed to help students develop the skills required to carry out advanced research and to equip them with a sound understanding of the principles and theories underpinning development finance practices.
Hence, the programme consists of:
- A discipline-based core curriculum: This structured course-work component is non-credit bearing but candidates are required to pass the requisite courses and submit a comprehensive proposal before proceeding with the dissertation. Participants need to do three core courses at PhD level. Students who are not graduates of the USB’s MPhil in Development Finance (MDevF) programme may be required to do three electives from the MDevF based on their areas of interest.
- An independent research thesis: As a PhD student you will be expected to pursue supervised research, culminating in a doctoral dissertation which constitutes the examinable product for which the PhD degree is eventually awarded. This dissertation must:
- Represent an original and significant contribution to the enrichment and advancement of knowledge on Development Finance
- Demonstrate originality of thought, a theoretical underpinning, relevance to the discipline and rigour in execution
- Create intellectual capital, which is the cornerstone of the knowledge society of the 21st century.
Admission requirements
As a result of the multi-disciplinary nature of the programme, admission requirements include:
- A good master’s degree in Development Finance, Economics, Finance or allied field
- A strong quantitative background.
The Admissions Committee may also consider candidates who do not comply with these requirements but who have sufficient experience in development finance policy making after a general master’s degree.